We often hear the word resilience when discussing adversity. Resilience is the inner strength to overcome or recover from difficulties. Did you ever wonder how this is developed?

Some of us have this strength as an innate ability. Others learn to use positive self-talk to counter their distress.

To me, the most important factor to bolster resilience in children is one or more caring adults.

Yes, one adult in your corner who cares for you, supports you, and helps you feel safe, can alleviate significant stress.

If you have a healthy adult who was interested in you, who helped you talk about your feelings, and you felt you could rely on, the adversity diminished.

If you were a child who experienced adverse childhood experiences, I hope that someone stepped up to soften the blows.

For me, to this day, I consider my grandmother as the gold in my life. I spend every Saturday night at her house for many years. These were magical times where I felt comforted and cared for. She contributed to my ability to navigate situations, even at an early age.

With play, with fun, with kindness, and compassion, she’d make me special meals, tuck me into her satin plum-colored comforter, and help me dream big.

Some children find this in teachers, in counselors, in a family member, in school, with sports or other activities where a shared sense of community prevailed.

Providing protection and care for children in difficult circumstances is a high calling. Be alert to the special needs of children who are living under adverse circumstances.